EERE Network News
July 28, 2004
News and Events
DOE Breaks Ground on New Energy Research Building
Ground was broken on July 27th on a new research facility at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. When complete in 2006, the building will be used for research in thin-film solar cells, hydrogen, solid-state lighting, superconductivity, electrochromic windows, and nanotechnologies.
Water Treatment Plant Meets Daytime Needs with Solar Power
Sun Power & Geothermal Energy has commissioned a new 566-kilowatt solar power system at the South Feather Water and Power Agency in Oroville, California. Meanwhile, solar power systems are being installed on houses on both coasts of the United States.
Proposed Wisconsin Wind Project Grows; Iowa Plant Dedicated
A wind energy project proposed for Brownsville, Wisconsin, is now at 130 megawatts in capacity, thanks to an additional power purchase agreement signed by Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Meanwhile, the 44-megawatt Flying Cloud Wind Power Plant has been commissioned in Iowa.
Wisconsin Task Force Recommends Efficiency and Renewables
Wisconsin's Task Force on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency has unanimously approved recommendations for the state to draw on renewable energy for 10 percent of its electricity supply by 2015, and has recommended a number of other energy efficiency and renewable energy policies.
State Requirements and Green Power Markets: Both Yield More Renewables
Recent reports have found that green power markets and state renewable energy requirements and goals have both led to significant new renewable energy capacity—3,650 megawatts, as of the end of 2003—although the state requirements have been slightly more successful.
DOE Awards $1.13 Million to Weatherize Homes in Arizona
DOE announced on July 27th the award of $1.13 million to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families in Arizona. The funds were awarded on July 1st as part of a $94.8-million award to 20 states.
Site News
Energy Education Offered at Oakland Community College
Oakland Community College's Environmental Systems Technology program provides alternative energy classes that focus on harnessing energy from renewable sources.
Energy Connections
At Mid-Point, 2004 Ranks as Third-Hottest Year on Record
On a global scale, 2004 is shaping up to be another hot year, although it won't break any records. At the half-year mark, the year ranks as third-hottest (compared to the half-year averages for previous years), and it will end up as the fourth- hottest year on record if the temperatures hold steady.
